Manchester United rallied to snap a four-game losing streak and halt Liverpool’s romp towards the Premier League title in a thrilling 2-2 draw at Anfield on Sunday. Liverpool move six points clear at the top of the table, with a game in hand to come, over second-placed Arsenal. But this was an opportunity lost for Arne Slot’s men after they came from behind to lead 2-1 through Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah‘s penalty. United broke their six-year goal drought at Anfield to open the scoring in spectacular fashion through Lisandro Martinez and got the point a much-improved performance deserved when Amad Diallo levelled on 80 minutes.

A point edges the Red Devils up to 13th in the table and seven clear of the relegation zone.

Liverpool boss Slot warned that United were “much better” than their shocking league position suggested ahead of the game and so it proved.

United had been carved open at will by Newcastle in a dismal 2-0 defeat on Monday that left manager Ruben Amorim declaring they were in a relegation battle.

Amorim‘s hand was strengthened by the return of captain Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte from suspension, while Kobbie Mainoo also returned to the starting line-up.

The Portuguese’s plan to frustrate Liverpool worked but the home side did have the chances early on to make the breakthrough.

Gakpo prodded past the far post from Ryan Gravenberch’s through ball.

Moments later Salah picked out Alexis Mac Allister with a sumptuous pass that the Argentine caught flush and forced Andre Onana into a fine save with his feet.

United took time to begin to impose themselves as an attacking threat but should have been in front before the break.

Diallo miscued his header with the goal gaping from Diogo Dalot’s cross.

Rasmus Hojlund then had the best chance of the first half when he raced in behind the Liverpool defence but could not beat Alisson Becker.

Renewed confidence

However, confidence was suddenly coursing back into United players who have looked bereft in recent weeks.

The visitors’ breakthrough came from an unlikely source as Martinez showed his strikers how to finish with a blistering hit in off the underside of the bar for just his second goal for the club.

The Anfield crowd were beginning to get restless as the league leaders were briefly at sixes and sevens.

However, Liverpool’s position at the top of the table owes much to the depth of firepower they possess.

Even on a quiet day for Salah, they had an in-form forward to come up with the moment of magic required to turn the game.

Gakpo turned inside his Dutch international colleague Matthijs de Ligt and blasted high past Onana for his 10th goal in 15 games on the hour mark.

Despite the equaliser Slot immediately made two offensive changes, as Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez were introduced, and got his reward.

MacAllister’s header flicked off De Ligt’s outstretched arm inside the penalty area and a VAR review resulted in the awarding of a spot-kick.

Salah smashed low and hard beyond Onana for his 18th Premier League goal in 19 games.

However, United’s spirited display got the point it merited to halt an alarming losing streak for Amorim so early in his reign.

Alejandro Garnacho‘s attitude has been questioned by his new boss but the Argentine came off the bench to make the equaliser as his low cross was turned in by Diallo.

And it should have been even better for United when Harry Maguire spooned Joshua Zirkzee‘s pass over the bar with the goal gaping deep into stoppage time.

Liverpool v Man United, Premier League 2024-25© AFP

Joshua Zirzkee (left) was substituted in the first half.© AFP

Manchester United’s miserable season suffered another Boxing Day blow as captain Bruno Fernandes was sent-off in a 2-0 defeat at lowly Wolves. Fernandes saw red for the third time this season early in the second half for a second bookable offence. Wolves took full advantage to make it two wins in two games under new boss Vitor Pereira. Matheus Cunha’s goal direct from a corner opened the scoring before he teed up Hwang Hee-chan with virtually the last kick of the game. United, who slipped to 14th, have won just twice in seven Premier League games since Ruben Amorim took charge last month and were insipid in attack even before Fernandes’ dismissal.

Victory was enough to lift Wolves out of the relegation zone at the expense of Leicester, who lost at Liverpool.

The optimism that greeted Amorim‘s early days in charge already seem a distant memory as the Portuguese has been left in no doubt over the scale of the task he faces to turn around a fallen giant.

Amorim reacted to a 3-0 humbling at home to Bournemouth on Sunday by making just two changes.

Leny Yoro came into the defence, while Rasmus Hojlund replaced Joshua Zirkzee up front.

The Dane, though, struggled to make any impact as Cunha showed the value of a forward in form.

Wolves look set to lose their top scorer to suspension over a FA charge for misconduct for a clash with an Ipswich member of staff after a 2-1 defeat earlier this month that cost Gary O’Neil his job.

Only Mohamed Salah, Erling Haaland, Cole Palmer and Alexander Isak have scored more goals in the Premier League this season than the Brazilian international.

United, by contrast, were let down by their talisman.

Fernandes was walking a tightrope from a first-half booking when he recklessly dived in on his Portuguese international team-mate Nelson Semedo two minutes into the second period.

Even the normally argumentative Fernandes had few complaints when referee Tony Harrington brandished a second yellow and a red.

The 30-year-old’s first red card of the campaign against Tottenham was overturned on appeal before he was also dismissed in a 3-3 draw at Porto in the Europa League.

Wolves almost immediately made the man advantage count when Semedo squared for Jorgen Strand Larsen to tap in.

The Norwegian, though, had strayed offside before making contact with the cross.

United’s frailties from set-pieces have been routinely exposed since Amorim succeeded Erik ten Hag.

For the fifth consecutive Premier League game they conceded from either a corner or free-kick in what proved to be the decisive goal.

Cunha’s in-swinging delivery flew in at the far post with United goalkeeper Andre Onana sandwiched between two Wolves players and the Cameroonian’s pleas for a foul fell on deaf ears.

Wolves’ nervousness allowed United to press for an equaliser in the closing stages.

But a Harry Maguire header that floated into the arms of Jose Sa was the closest the 10-man Red Devils came to redemption on another sobering night for Amorim.

Hwang rubbed salt into United wounds deep into stoppage time after he and Cunha were left with just Onana to beat between them.

Liverpool swept four points clear at the top of the Premier League as Mohamed Salah‘s masterclass inspired a memorable 6-3 rout of Tottenham, while Manchester United crashed to a humiliating 3-0 home defeat against Bournemouth on Sunday. Salah delivered a sublime performance featuring two goals and a pair of assists as Arne Slot’s side ran riot in north London. The 32-year-old is now Liverpool’s fourth top scorer ever with 229 goals. Salah’s brace took him past Billy Liddell, with only Ian Rush (346), Roger Hunt (285) and Gordon Hodgson (241) ahead of him.

The rampant Reds have won 21 of their 25 matches in all competitions under Slot and have a game in hand on Chelsea to strengthen their lead in the title race.

This was a remarkable display of Liverpool’s firepower as Luis Diaz and Alexis Mac Allister scored to put them in command.

Dominik Szoboszlai grabbed Liverpool’s third and Egypt star Salah took over after the break before Diaz netted again.

“For 60 minutes we did everything we had to do, we were comfortable and good with the ball. The main thing is we worked very hard,” Slot said.

“But you have to be on top of your game for the whole game and we didn’t do that.”

Punished for Ange Postecoglou’s insistence on sticking to his high defensive line, it was the first time since 1997 that Tottenham had conceded six goals in a home league game.

James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke scored for Tottenham, but an eighth league defeat this season leaves them languishing in 11th place as the pressure mounts on Postecoglou.

“If you want to discount the fact we’re missing a goalkeeper, two centre-backs and a left-back and that hasn’t coincided with how we’re doing… I don’t know what to say anymore,” Postecoglou said of his critics.

United boss Ruben Amorim, who once again left Marcus Rashford out of his squad, is set for a miserable Christmas following the worst result of his brief reign.

Languishing in 13th place, United have suffered four defeats in nine matches in all competitions since Amorim arrived from Sporting Lisbon in November to replace the sacked Erik ten Hag.

United’s second successive loss after their League Cup exit at Tottenham on Thursday underlined Amorim’s belief that their road back to the top will be long and arduous.

Man Utd ‘suffer’

United, who have conceded first in their last six games, were booed off at half-time, while the final whistle was greeted by more jeers from the few fans who stayed until the bitter end.

“This game was hard on us. We suffered again on set-pieces and we were a bit nervous. I felt it in the stadium,” Amorim said. 

“We have to suffer again but we will try to win.”

Amorim’s decision to play without Rashford for the third consecutive game will face fresh scrutiny after United’s wretched performance.

Again, United were exposed at set-pieces in the 29th minute when Bournemouth’s teenage defender Dean Huijsen punished poor marking at a free-kick to glance a header past goalkeeper Andre Onana.

There was even worse to come for Amorim in the second half as Justin Kluivert doubled fifth-placed Bournemouth’s advantage with a 61st minute penalty following Noussair Mazraoui’s foul on the forward.

Antoine Semenyo compounded United’s misery two minutes later with a cool finish from Dango Ouattara’s pass.

With Liverpool playing in Sunday’s late game, second-placed Chelsea would have gone top, for at least a few hours, if they had won at Everton.

But Enzo Maresca‘s side had to settle for a goalless stalemate that ended their five-match winning run in the league.

Wolves boss Vitor Pereira enjoyed a dream debut as his side won 3-0 at relegation rivals Leicester.

Replacing the sacked Gary O’Neil, Pereira made an immediate impact after leaving his role at Saudi Pro League side Al Shabab thanks to goals from Goncalo Guedes, Rodrigo Gomes and Matheus Cunha.

Third-bottom Wolves are within two points of fourth-bottom Leicester.

Bottom-of-the-table Southampton held on for a 0-0 draw at Fulham as new manager Ivan Juric watched from the stands before officially taking charge.

Manchester United scored twice in the final three minutes to deepen Premier League champions Manchester City’s crisis with a 2-1 win at the Etihad on Sunday. City have now won just once in their last 11 games, a run that includes eight defeats. Josko Gvardiol’s first-half header had put Pep Guardiola’s men in front. But United hit back for just Ruben Amorim’s second win in five league matches since taking charge last month. Bruno Fernandes’ penalty levelled before Amad Diallo squeezed home the winner from a narrow angle in the last minute of regular time.

Defeat leaves City still in fifth, nine point off leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand.

United climb to 12th and within five points of their city rivals.

The Red Devils will be hoping a dramatic victory can also be the starting point for Amorim to turn around the momentum of a rivalry that City have dominated over the past decade.

Amorim made a bold call before kick-off as both Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho were left out of the United squad with the Portuguese saying he “pays attention to everything”.

The United boss may have regretted that call as early as the 12th minute when Mason Mount limped off to continue his injury-ravaged spell since joining from Chelsea 18 months ago.

A shortage of confidence in both sides was clear to see in a cagey start.

It took 20 minutes for Phil Foden to have the first attempt on goal with a volley that flew just wide of Andre Onana’s goal.

But United’s set-piece defending has been at the root of their poor start to life under new management.

For the third consecutive Premier League game they conceded from a corner as Kevin De Bruyne’s deflected cross looped perfectly into the path of Gvardiol to head in on 36 minutes.

A slow burn of a derby finally came to life seconds later when Kyle Walker and Rasmus Hojlund went head-to-head with both ending up getting booked.

Foden’s double win this fixture for City last season on their way to an unprecedented fourth consecutive league title.

The England international’s lack of form and fitness has been one of the causes of City’s struggles this season.

However, Foden looked more like his old self as a jinking run and shot that deflected just wide came close to doubling City’s lead before half-time.

United did not manage a single shot on target in the first 45 minutes and Amorim was growing visibly frustrated at his side’s poor play on the ball as the second period started in a similar manner.

A vintage City side under Guardiola would have put their neighbours to the sword, but English champions created nothing of note in the second period.

Diallo finally forced Ederson into action with a header that the Brazilian clawed around the post on the hour mark.

Fernandes then missed a glorious chance to equalise 15 minutes from time when his dink over Ederson drifted wide with just the Brazilian to beat.

However, City were to be the architects of their own downfall.

Matheus Nunes’ short backpass played in Diallo, who was then chopped down by the Portuguese midfielder in his desperation to atone for the original error.

Fernandes this time coolly sent Ederson the wrong way to level.

City’s defence was then undone by one simple long ball over the top by Lisandro Martinez that Diallo raced onto, rounded Ederson and kept his composure to find the net.

Manchester City vs Manchester United Live Streaming Premier League: Manchester’s crisis-hit clubs face off in the Premier League when City host United at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday. City’s run of one win in 10 games in all competitions is an unprecedented slump for the English champions during Pep Guardiola’s reign. Despite that poor run of form, Guardiola’s men are still eight points clear of a United team who have tumbled to 13th in the table. On the other hand, United have won just one of their four Premier League games under new manager Ruben Amorim.

City have won four of their last five Premier League games against United, and have scored 13 goals in the past three league meetings at home.

When will the Manchester City vs Manchester United, Premier League football match take place?

Manchester City vs Manchester United, Premier League football match will take place on Sunday, December 15 (IST).

Where will the Manchester City vs Manchester United, Premier League football match be held?

The Manchester City vs Manchester United, Premier League football match will be held at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester.

What time will the Manchester City vs Manchester United, Premier League football match start?

The Manchester City vs Manchester United, Premier League football match will start at 10:00 PM IST.

Which TV channels will show the live telecast of the Manchester City vs Manchester United, Premier League football match?

The Manchester City vs Manchester United, Premier League football match will be televised on the Star Sports network.

Where to follow the live streaming of the Manchester City vs Manchester United, Premier League football match?

The Manchester City vs Manchester United, Premier League football match will be live streamed on the Disney+ Hotstar app and website.

(All details are as per information provided by the broadcaster)

Man City vs Man Utd LIVE: Here are the team sheets!

Man City XI: Ederson, Walker (C), Dias, Gvardiol, Gundogan, De Bruyne, Bernardo, Nunes, Foden, Doku, Haaland

SUBS: Ortega Moreno, Stones, Kovacic, Grealish, Savinho, Simpson-Pusey, Mubama, O’Reilly, McAtee

Man Utd XI: Onana; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez, Maguire, Dalot; Diallo, Mount, Ugarte; B. Fernandes, Hojlund.

SUBS: Bayindir, Lindelof, Malacia, Yoro, Casemiro, Eriksen, Mainoo, Antony, Zirkzee

Arsenal vs Manchester United Live Streaming Premier League Live Telecast: The Gunners host the Red Devils at the Emirates, hoping to keep up pace with runaway leaders Liverpool, who lead by 9 points at the top of the table. Arsenal, 2nd, could cut that gap to just six points if they beat United and Arne Slot’s Reds lose just their second game of the season at Newcastle United. United, on the other hand, are 15 points behind leaders Liverpool and four points off the Champions League spots after 13 matches.

Arsenal enjoy an excellent home record against United at home recently, winning each of their last three meetings at the Emirates. If the Gunners win, it will be their fourth straight win over the Reds, a feat which they have never achieved before in Premier League history.

When will the Arsenal vs Manchester United, Premier League football match take place?

Arsenal vs Manchester United, Premier League football match will take place on Thursday, December 5 (IST).

Where will the Arsenal vs Manchester United, Premier League football match be held?

The Arsenal vs Manchester United, Premier League football match will be held at Emirates Stadium, London.

What time will the Arsenal vs Manchester United, Premier League football match start?

The Arsenal vs Manchester United, Premier League football match will start at 1:45 AM IST.

Which TV channels will show the live telecast of the Arsenal vs Manchester United, Premier League football match?

The Arsenal vs Manchester United, Premier League football match will be televised on the Star Sports network.

Where to follow the live streaming of the Arsenal vs Manchester United, Premier League football match?

The Arsenal vs Manchester United, Premier League football match will be live streamed on the Disney+ Hotstar app and website.

(All details are as per information provided by the broadcaster)

Cristiano Ronaldo has kept his place in the Portugal squad for next month’s UEFA Nations games against Croatia and Scotland despite an ineffective display at Euro 2024. The 39-year-old failed to score as he appeared at a record sixth European Championship, with Portugal exiting in the quarter-finals, but he retains the backing of coach Roberto Martinez. “When I quit the national team, I won’t tell anyone in advance… At the moment what I want is to be able to help the Selecao,” Ronaldo said in an interview with Portuguese TV this week.

Ronaldo has started the new season with four goals in as many games for Saudi side Al-Nassr and is likely to continue to lead the Portugal attack with Paris Saint-Germain striker Goncalo Ramos sidelined by an ankle injury.

While veteran defender Pepe announced his retirement from football at the age of 41 earlier this month, Martinez is looking to the future with Friday’s call-up of 17-year-old Sporting Lisbon winger Geovany Quenda.

Chelsea left-back Renato Veiga and Lille defender Tiago Santos are other new faces in the squad for the games against Croatia and Scotland on September 5 and 8 in Lisbon.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (FC Porto), Jose Sa (Wolves/ENG), Rui Silva (Real Betis/ESP)

Defenders: Ruben Dias (Manchester City/ENG), Antonio Silva (Benfica), Renato Veiga (Chelsea/ENG), Goncalo Inacio (Sporting Lisbon), Tiago Santos (Lille/FRA), Diogo Dalot (Manchester United/ENG), Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA), Nelson Semedo (Wolves/ENG)

Midfielders: Joao Palhinha (Fulham/ENG), Joao Neves (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA), Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United/ENG), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City/ENG), Ruben Neves (Al-Hilal/KSA)

Forwards: Joao Felix (Chelsea/ENG), Francisco Trincao (Sporting Lisbon), Pedro Goncalves (Sporting Lisbon), Rafael Leao (AC Milan/ITA), Geovany Quenda (Sporting Lisbon), Pedro Neto (Chelsea/ENG), Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr/KSA), Diogo Jota (Liverpool/ENG)